Gaby
A large-scale study from Harvard Medical Center (USA) has revealed that consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables is as beneficial as taking a 4,000-step walk.
Dr. Michael Mi, the lead author of the study, noted that the team gathered compelling data confirming the link between proper nutrition and improved physical fitness.
The researchers involved 2,380 middle-aged Americans in their study. Initially, participants filled out a questionnaire about their diet over the past year, answering questions about the frequency of their consumption of 126 different foods. They then performed physical exercises, including workouts on a treadmill, while scientists collected health metrics from the volunteers, particularly focusing on heart function.
The team also considered factors such as age, gender, total daily energy intake, body mass index, smoking habits, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and levels of regular physical activity.
The researchers found that those who opted for a healthy diet were more likely to have a higher level of physical fitness.
Healthy Eating as a Key to Wellness
The team of scientists confirmed that a higher-quality diet reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and cancer. This diet prioritizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, legumes, fish, and healthy fats, while also limiting red meat and alcohol, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Volunteers who adhered to a Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, exhibited the same level of physical fitness as those who walked about 4,000 steps daily.
“In middle-aged adults, healthy eating was strongly associated with physical fitness,” emphasized Dr. Mi. He added that this relationship was consistent across both men and women and was more pronounced in individuals under the age of 54.
The researchers determined that the daily minimum requirement for fruits and vegetables is five servings.
Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber, which acts as a natural fat burner and helps accelerate metabolism. They are also packed with antioxidants that prevent inflammation and other health issues.
